NATIONAL HAWAII DAY

July 4, 2026June 15, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

On July 5th, National Hawaii Day recognizes the 50th state to be granted statehood.

Eight islands make up The Aloha State, the largest of which is named Hawaii. The islands of Maui, Oahu, and Kauai are the next in size followed by Molokai, Lanai, Nihau, and Kahoolawe.

The Great Book of Hawaii: The Crazy History of Hawaii with Amazing Random Facts & Trivia (A Trivia Nerds Guide to the History of the United States 7) Kindle Edition
by Bill O'Neill (Author) — The Great Book of Hawaii: The Crazy History of Hawaii with Amazing Random Facts & Trivia (A Trivia Nerds Guide to the History of the United States 7) Kindle Edition

by Bill O’Neill (Author)

Nearly 2,000 years ago, Polynesians navigated the Pacific ocean in double-hulled vessels from the west. Captain James Cook sailed to the islands in 1778 and would later meet his death on the big island.

Hawaii: Images of the Islands Hardcover – June 30, 2005

by Douglas Peebles (Author) — Hawaii: Images of the Islands

by Douglas Peebles (Author)

For generations, Hawaii ruled by the hand of the Kamehameha dynasty. King Kamehameha is still honored in Hawaii today.

In 1874, a new king was elected to the throne. King Kalākaua was known as the Merrie Monarch. Kalākaua also developed a reputation as a diplomat as he set out to tour the globe in 1881. As a result, Kalakaua would become the first monarch to travel around the world. It would take the Hawaiin leader an entire year to complete the voyage.

While Hawaii is the 50th state to join the Union, it has long been a strategic military installation. Its location in the Pacific has been vital to U.S. Naval operations for decades. On December 7, 1941, the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor shocked the nation and propelled the United States into World War II.

The islands’ beauty and traditions consistently draw visitors for rest and relaxation. Hawaii’s pristine beaches, majestic volcanoes, and exotic atmosphere speak to a richly diverse heritage that is welcoming and fascinating. Dance, music, and song taught from one generation to the next keep traditions alive in a lush environment surrounded by ancient history.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHawaiiDay

Exploring the sites, sounds, flavors, and beauty of Hawaii and use #NationalHawaiiDay to share on social media.

Also celebrating National Bikini Day today….hmm Bikinis and Hawaii sounds like a vacation destination to me.

Hidden Treasures

World’s Largest Plant Maze – Wahiawa

Kaniakapupu Ruins – Honolulu

Pu`uhonua O Hōnaunau – Captain Cook

Palapala Ho’omau Congregational Church – Hana

Notable People

William Francis Hillebrand – Chemist – (December 12, 1853 – February 7, 1925)

Victoria Cleghorn – Princess – (October 16, 1875 – March 6, 1899)

Hiram Bingham III – Senator – (November 19, 1875 – June 6, 1956)

Henry Gabriel Ginaca – Engineer – (May 19, 1876 – October 19, 1918)

Mary Abigail Kawena Pukui – Author – (April 20, 1895 – May 21, 1986)

Place Names of Hawaii: Revised and Expanded Edition Paperback – December 1, 1976

by Mary Kawena Pukui (Author), & 2 more — Place Names of Hawaii: Revised and Expanded Edition

by Mary Kawena Pukui (Author), & 2 more

James Mitose – Martial artist – (December 30, 1916 – March 26, 1981)

What is self Defense Paperback – December 11, 2017

by Mitose James Masayoshi (Author) — What is self Defense

by Mitose James Masayoshi (Author)

Don Ho – Musician – (August 13, 1930 – April 14, 2007)

A Night in Hawaii with Don Ho
Don Ho (Actor), Mark Williams (Director) — A Night in Hawaii with Don Ho

Don Ho (Actor), Mark Williams (Director)

Paul Avery – Journalist – (April 2, 1934 – December 10, 2000)

Barack Obama – President – (August 4, 1961 -)

Obama: An Intimate Portrait Hardcover – November 7, 2017
by Pete Souza (Author), Barack Obama (Foreword) — Obama: An Intimate Portrait Hardcover – November 7, 2017

by Pete Souza (Author), Barack Obama (Foreword)

Jordan Hubbard – Developer – (April 8, 1963 -)

K. Megan McArthur – Oceanographer – (August 30, 1971 -) Astronaut

Bruno Mars – Singer-songwriter – (October 8, 1985 -)

Uptown Funk (Remixes)
Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars — Uptown Funk (Remixes)

Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars

Watch “Old Movie Stars Dance to Uptown Funk” on YouTube. https://youtu.be/M1F0lBnsnkE

Try Amazon Music Unlimited Free TrialTry Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial — Try Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial

NATIONAL MINIATURE GOLF DAY

May 8, 2026May 6, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

Annually the second Saturday in May recognizes National Miniature Golf Day. This day is separate from Miniature Golf Day, which is celebrated worldwide on September 21.

Similar to the sport of golf, but as the name suggests it is a miniature version of the game. While still played with a series of 9 or 18 holes, miniature golf courses are shorter, usually themed, and have a variety of obstacles that add to the difficulty of the game.

There also isn’t any need to call “FOUR” since only putters are used in this version. The distances are too short (usually about 10 yards) to use any of the other clubs in golf. Most courses consist of concrete or artificial turf so don’t worry about replacing any divots, either! The game also goes by the names mini-golf, midget golf, putt-putt, and peewee golf.

Some of the more challenging miniature golf courses have waterfalls, caverns, and castles with drawbridges as part of their obstacle course.

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Lee Women's Relaxed Fit Capri Jean#NationalMiniGolfDay — Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Women’s Mid-Rise Slim Fit Capris (Available in Plus Size)

NATIONAL MINIATURE GOLF DAY HISTORY

The Illustrated London News had mention of the earliest documented minigolf course in its June 8, 1912, edition. The first standardized minigolf courses to enter into commercial mass-production were the Thistle Dhu course in 1916 in Pinehurst, North Carolina, and the Tom Thumb patent of Garnet Carter from Lookout Mountain, Tennessee in 1927.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationaMiniGolfDay

Watch out for the water hazards and the windmill! Meet your friends at your local miniature golf course and have a fun-filled day. While you’re out putting, share your photos using #NationalMiniGolfDay.

PUTT-A-BOUT Par Three Golf Putting Green (3' x 9')
#NationalMiniGolfDay — PUTT-A-BOUT Par Three Golf Putting Green (3′ x 9′)

Champion Sports Mini Golf Clubs: Multi Colored Putt Putt Miniature Golfing Set for Kids - 6 Putters 18 Holes & 18 Balls#NationalMiniGolfDay — PUTT-A-BOUT Par Three Golf Putting Green (3′ x 9′)

NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH

January 31, 2026January 2, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 18 Comments

National Black History Month, also known as National African American History Month, during February is a time for all Americans to celebrate the achievements of African Americans. In addition, the month recognizes the central role of Black Americans in history.

Other countries, including Canada and Great Britain, have also set aside months to honor Black History. February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and noted civil rights advocate Frederick Douglass. A privateer ship named the White Lion records the first Africans brought to the colonies in 1619. Captained by John Colyn Jope, the White Lion landed at Point Comfort, Virginia, now modern-day Hampton, Virginia. There, Jope traded the Africans as slaves in exchange for provisions.

Notable Black Americans

African-Americans impacted our society throughout history and in numerous ways.

Thurgood Marshall – The jurist was the first African-American appointed to the Supreme Court. We recognize Thurgood Marshall every year on National Maryland Day.
George Washington Carver – As a man of science, Carver developed over 300 products from peanuts. Celebrate George Washington Carver and his contributions to the peanut industry on National Peanut Day.
Shirley Chisholm – In 1968, New York’s 12th congressional district elected Chisholm as the first Black woman in Congress. She served seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Rosa Parks – The Civil Rights advocate helped initiate the Civil Rights Movement by refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Celebrate Rosa Parks and learn more about her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.
Louis Armstrong – As a talented musician and performer, Armstrong became a pioneer in jazz. Satchmo Summerfest honors his contributions to music for a week each year in August.
Colin Powell – The 4-star General became Secretary of State. Colin Powell dedicated the Buffalo Soldier Monument at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, establishing the first Buffalo Soldiers Day.
Barack Obama – Americans elected Obama as the first Black President of the United States in 2009. He served two terms.

Black History Activators#BlackHistoryMonth — Thurgood

NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH HISTORY

Carter Woodson, the twentieth-century historian, created Black History Month. He believed Black Americans were not adequately represented in the study of American history. Carter Woodson also hoped for the day when Americans would accept Black history as a part of American history. President Gerald Ford declared Black History Month (formerly Negro History Week) in 1976.

More Heritage to explore….

Scottish-American Heritage
Caribbean American Heritage
Asain American and Pacific Islander Heritage
Gathering of Nations
Black History Month
African World Heritage
Juneteenth
Black Business Month
Black Poetry
Hispanic Heritage Month
German American Heritage
Native American Heritage
Irish American Heritage
Italian-American Heritage
Native American Heritage Day
Jewish American Heritage Month

HOW TO OBSERVE #BlackHistoryMonth

Learn more about African-American history. Here are a few books we suggest reading during Black History Month:

Use #BlackHistoryMonth on social media and start a book discussion.

Black History Month
#BlackHistoryMonth — Black History Month

Black Heroes Poster bulletin board set, 9 charts pack Glossy Paper (9"x19") Young N Refined#BlackHistoryMonth — Black History Month

Mississippi Mud Pie

November 30, 2025October 23, 2025Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

Mississippi Mud Pie is a very delicious dessert pie that is made by using gooey chocolate. As the name suggests, this dessert originated in Mississippi, a popular state of United States. This complete chocolate-based dessert contains flaky chocolate on the top and thick chocolate sauce in the middle. Usually served with plain chilled ice cream, this pie is widely appreciated all across the globe for the rich use of chocolate.

While Mississippi mud pie was originally associated with Southern United States cuisine, the dish has gained somewhat of an international reputation, owing in large part to the sheer amount of chocolate in each serving.

Some think Mississippi mud pie is a 1970s reincarnation of Mississippi mud cake, which appeared in the World War II era. Thrifty women on the homefront might have developed the mud cake recipe in their search for ways to make desserts with cheap ingredients already available in their scanty wartime pantries.

The name Mississippi mud pie, derives from the pie’s appearance, which could remind casual observers of Mississippi River mud. Out of the oven, this dense chocolate dessert looks like Mississippi River clay that the sun has parched, crusted, and cracked.Its earliest known reference in print is dated 1975.

Explore More Pie…

Celebrate Mississippi Mud Pie by sharing one with family and friends. Have a taste test to see which is your favorite. Use #MississippiMudPie to post your favorite choices on social media. Here are a few recipes to try:

Mississippi Mud Pie: Taste of Home

Mississippi Mud Pie by Delish.com

Mississippi Mud Pie by Tasty.com

Mississippi Mud Pie by Cooks Country

No matter your favorite Mississippi Mud Pie is a chocolate filled delight!

AFRICAN WORLD HERITAGE DAY

May 5, 2025May 5, 2025Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

Every year on May 5th, African World Heritage Day offers an opportunity for people around the world to celebrate Africa.

Africa is the world’s second-largest continent. Some of the biggest threats facing Africa include climate change, uncontrolled development, disease, civil unrest, and poaching. Unfortunately, many of Africa’s cultural and natural wonders are at risk of losing universal value. Because of the threats facing this diverse continent, it’s more important than ever to protect and preserve their heritage.

In honor of this day, explore some interesting facts about Africa:

The continent consists of 54 countries and one non-self-governing country.
Ancient Egypt’s Pharaonic civilization is one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
There are over 2,000 recognized languages on the continent.
The most spoken language is Arabic, followed by English, Swahili, and French.
Africa has 1.1 billion people, and over half of them are under the age of 25.
By 2050, Africa’s population is expected to double.
About 90% of malaria cases in the world take place in Africa.

The continent is home to the largest reserves of precious metals in the world. One more amazing fact about Africa is that it contains the world’s largest hot desert, the Sahara. This desert is 3.6 million square miles, which is comparable to China or the continental United States.

AFRICAN WORLD HERITAGE DAY HISTORY

In November 2015, The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed May 5th as African World Heritage Day. They chose May 5th as it marked the anniversary of the African World Heritage Fund. This initiative was launched in 2006 to support the conservation and protection of Africa’s natural and cultural heritage.

Traditional African Tribal Table Runner, African Table Runner Decor for Dinning Room Kitchen Home Vintage Pattern Table Runner Decorations for Holiday Party, Housewarming Gifts for Ideas,#AfricanWorldHeritageDay — Traditional African Tribal Table Runner, African Table Runner Decor for Dinning Room Kitchen Home Vintage Pattern Table Runner Decorations for Holiday Party, Housewarming Gifts for Ideas,

Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Tour Bag, Pewter#AfricanWorldHeritageDay — Traditional African Tribal Table Runner, African Table Runner Decor for Dinning Room Kitchen Home Vintage Pattern Table Runner Decorations for Holiday Party, Housewarming Gifts for Ideas,

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #AfricanWorldHeritageDay

People around the world, especially those in Africa, celebrate this day in various ways. Events include the African World Heritage Youth Forum, cultural presentations, and an Instagram photo contest.

To participate:

Read about famous historic sites in Africa, including the Isimila Stone Age Site in Tanzania, Robben Island in South Africa, Luxor Temple in Egypt, and Elmina Castle in Ghana.
Learn about African heroes, including Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Chinua Achebe.
Commit to taking a trip to Africa someday.
Watch a movie set in Africa, such as Hotel Rwanda, Out of Africa, Goodbye Bafana, and Beat the Drum.

Share this day on social media with #AfricanWorldHeritageDay.

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